Editor's note: This is one in a series of stories looking at Humboldt County candidates.

Incumbent Mayor Douglas Strehl said he did not take his decision to run for reelection to the Fortuna City Council lightly.

"I think Fortuna is going through a lot of changes, what with having a new city manager and Ken Zanzi deciding not to run again," he said. "I felt that I should step up to help keep some experience and history on the council."

Strehl said his love for the city and a desire to make sure things continue to run smoothly are his main reasons for entering the race. The 62-year-old, who filed nomination papers Aug. 6, is running against business owner Tami Gillam-Trent and Les Schwab Tires assistant manager Josh Brown for two open seats this November.

Strehl was appointed to the council in 2005 after Mayor Tom Cooke died, and he was elected to office in 2008.

The council consists of five members who are elected to four-year terms. A mayor and mayor pro tem are appointed by the council bi-annually to serve a two-year term.

The owner of Strehl's Family Shoes and Repair in Fortuna for 29 years, Strehl said he hopes his years of experience on the council and interactions with the community will give him an advantage over his fellow candidates.

"I am not saying I don't want to win, and the learning curve for a new council member is quite difficult, but at the same time these are both great citizens and they have something to add to the town, too," he said. "I really appreciate the people who step up and want to be involved."

Councilman Mike Losey said Strehl's open mind and his willingness to include all members of the community in the important discussions are why he hopes Strehl will be reelected.

"I have worked with him closely for a number of years, and he is always open to suggestions," said Losey, who recently retired after a 34-year career with the Fortuna Police Department. "With his many years of experience as a business owner, he really has a feel for this community and is in tune with the history of Fortuna."

Losey said if Strehl is reelected, he would like to see him reappointed as mayor.

"I feel that he has just done an incredible job to keep this city moving forward," he said.

Strehl -- who served on the city planning commission for six years prior to his council election -- said he hopes to see the town continue to grow, despite the economic downturn.

"I have been in business long enough to see the ups and downs of a resource-based economy and yes, this one really is a downer," he said. "But we need to be ready when it turns around to invite anything in to help stimulate growth."

He said he plans to focus on maintaining police protection to keep Fortuna family friendly. In addition to raising two daughters with his wife, Strehl has four granddaughters who range in age from 7 to 14.

Strehl said he is not overly worried about managing his time between his family, his business and the council.

"You juggle it, and it is time consuming, but if you get some small satisfaction out of what you are doing, then it is worth it," he said. "Right now, I just want to keep our small-town atmosphere and make sure the Friendly City stays friendly."